—We'd like to ask about the BR-BIRD announced this year. This project actually began in 2014 with the B-ROCKET, leading to the creation of various vehicles from an imagined world. What are your thoughts on these endeavors, Fabien?

FabianBell & Ross values creation. To 'test' our creativity, we thought, 'Why not try developing the designs for vehicles themselves, like motorbikes, the B-ROCKET, and supercars?' That's how it began.

—While inspiration is drawn from cockpit instruments, I don't believe any other brand focuses on the background vehicles when designing watches and dedicates itself to their creation. This is also significant for creating unique designs.

FabianThe "Racing Bird" watch would absolutely not exist without the image of the aircraft behind it. Bell & Ross places great importance on this process.

—But how far do you take the design details? For this latest creation, you had the aircraft's body and even the pilot's uniform visualized, didn't you?

FabianOur designer, Bruno Belamich, is a perfectionist. He doesn't finalize a design until he's completely satisfied. His approach is that 'every detail has meaning,' and he pursues it relentlessly. This applies not only to this initiative but to all models designed previously. Therefore, regarding the BR-BIRD, he stated, 'I have no intention of creating something that won't fly.'

While building a real aircraft is another matter, in terms of realism, we proceed with the premise of 'actually flying.' To achieve this, we bring in external experts to conduct aerodynamic verifications and meticulously check whether it is theoretically sound as an aircraft.

—Many brands draw inspiration from land, sea, and air, but Bell & Ross seems to be creating not just 'what exists' but something new and forward-looking. Put simply, it feels like an expression of the will to create the future, rather than looking back at the past.

FabianThat's true. However, if you ask whether we draw no inspiration from the past, that's not the case.

We've been releasing our Vintage series since 1997, born from the desire to revive models used in the 1940s and 50s with modern technology and to create watches equipped with the latest movements.

—After motorcycles, special cars, and aircraft, will the next step be the deep sea? In what direction do you see this project heading in the future?

FabianWe have several ideas prepared, such as space shuttles, rockets, and submarines. Please look forward to them (laughs). However, we absolutely do not want to 'disappoint our customers,' so we plan to release them only when we have something truly exceptional. We will announce them irregularly.

Even if there are no such surprises next year, please don't be disappointed (laughs).

—Understood (laughs). By the way, with the watch industry reportedly facing continued challenges, could you please explain Bell & Ross's fundamental philosophy once more?

FabianMy current feeling is that the industry is on an upward trend again. Swiss watch exports are improving. The lead times for parts supply from suppliers are getting longer.

—Lead time refers to the period from ordering parts to their actual delivery. The fact that this period is lengthening indicates that parts are becoming harder to obtain, implying that watch production is expanding, correct?

FabianPrecisely. On the other hand, Bell & Ross's 'fundamental philosophy' has not changed over the past few years. The image of Bell & Ross has always been consistent,

There is no wavering on that point.

—In economically challenging times, it's common for brands to compromise their concepts to chase popular trends. However, Bell & Ross has consistently pursued its own path, proposing challenging models like the BR-BIRD and delving into the brand's core identity. This approach, we believe, ultimately builds user trust. What are your thoughts, Fabien?

FabianConsistently doing the same thing without wavering is the strength of a brand. In that regard, Bell & Ross has established itself very firmly.

We are extending our creativity through Bell & Ross's unique direction, rather than merely following trends.

—This brand is not a follower.

FabianThat's right. If we were a big brand with significant marketing funds, we could afford to be a follower. But for a small brand like ours, we must be trendsetters to survive.

—Isn't that aggressive stance something that resonates strongly with Bell & Ross users?

FabianWe are very happy to hear that.